West Lothian college closes 'with immediate effect' as students 'left in the dark'
A West Lothian arts college has closed with immediate effect - as students complain of being 'left in the dark'.
The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television has announced the facility had gone into liquidation. Many who attend the college, including those in their final year, have been left unsure whether they will be receiving their degrees.
The centre, on Almondvale Way in Livingston, provides degrees in theatre, dance, acting and performing for students. It opened back in the '00s.
A post on the college Facebook page reads : 'By the order of the Sheriff of Lothian and Borders at Livingston Sheriff Court, Katie McLachlan of Middlebrooks Business Recovery & Advice Limited has been appointed as Interim Liquidator of The Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and TV Limited, with effect from May 6, 2025. The company has ceased trading with immediate effect.'
Rachel Fiona Gilchrist, 21, handed in her final dissertation for her acting course on Thursday - only to be told that the college was shutting down operations.
She branded the news 'really upsetting', and is still unclear on whether or not she will get her degree.
David Adams, whose daughter Calley was in her first year at the facility, said parents have been left 'clueless'. The facility shared the update on their social media pages, which is understood to be how many students and teachers were informed.
Rachel, who is originally from Ayr but moved to Livingston to study, told Edinburgh Live: 'I was quite lucky that I was in the building at the time. However, everyone else found out via social media.
'That's including the staff, they were in the same boat. I think it's disgusting. They found out that the job they'd been at for 10, 15 years was done over Facebook.
'We were meant to graduate this year. We've had absolutely no communication with the liquidators.
'Our last dissertation hand in was technically this morning. Since I was set to graduate I've had it in my head that this was my last year. I'm lucky that I've got my agent to help me get work and stuff.
'For younger students it's such a shame because they weren't far in, and it's almost too late to apply for other colleges.'
While Rachel has been gutted by the news, she said her time at the college was 'amazing' - and has enjoyed every minute since she started three years ago.
She added: 'I don't have a bad word to say, up until this point, about the college. The training I've received has been amazing.
'They had people who had been working in the industry, and everyone was so close - from the admin staff to the lecturers and everyone. They all helped us in so many ways.
'That's why this is so upsetting. The thing on the whole is so sad, because it was such a lovely place for people.
'I've put almost £30,000 grand into this degree. We're all in debt.
'I did raise that this could be hard for everyone's mental health, and asked if there was any help in place - but was told that there was 'plenty of services' available online.'
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